A Creative Non-Fiction Guide for Fellows, Writers, and Students
CREATIVE NON-FICTION
Fellowing Creative Non-Fiction
One of the key takeaways from fiction mock-fellowing sessions was examining how structure (physical and chronological) impacts the development of the story, but also the writer’s desire to have their emotional intention be received by the reader. When fellowing and engaging with creative non-fiction, it is important for the reader/fellow to remove the writer as the protagonist of the piece, and reimagine them as a character of the story.
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What do you want the reader to feel when you share this story?
What do you think is the apex of this story?
Why are you returning to this story?
What feelings does this story hold for you?
How are you transferring those emotions to the reader?
What kind of tone do you think your language is evoking?
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How did you write this story?
Where did you start this story, and why there?
What was your thought process as you drafted?
What did previous drafts of this story look like, how did you arrive here?
How have the versions of this story changed as you’ve drafted?
What other structures did you consider using when you first drafted?
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Why have you chosen to structure your story the way you have?
Why does this specific structure best fit your story?
How would restructuring the chronology change the story?
How have you chosen to narrate your story?
Why have you chosen to use imagery/narration to propel your story?
What is your reasoning for choosing to use/not use dialogue?
What is dialogue/no dialogue adding or taking away from your story?
Fiction Prompts for Writers
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Choose a line or a specific moment from your story that feels pivotal and free write on it for 5 minutes. What was it like to return to that moment? What in that moment feels relevant to your narrative?
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Re-write a scene from your story from a different point of view.